Museum of Idaho Opens Ink & Blood Exhibit

IDAHO FALLS,
IDAHO – February 15, 2007 – On February 16 the museum opens
its major 2007 exhibit, “Ink & Blood: Dead Sea Scrolls to the King James
Bible,” presented by the Post Register. The opening of Ink & Blood marks the first time ever for actual Dead
Sea Scrolls fragments to be put on display in the Intermountain West.  The exhibit contains over 100 actual
artifacts and some of the most exciting archaeological discoveries ever made,
chronicling the preservation and subsequent translations of the most read book
of all time – The Bible.

Ink & Blood contains at
least one artifact that is 5,000 years old; and ancient Babylonian clay tablet,
and Dead Sea Scroll fragments that are at least 2,000 years old.  The exhibit also contains a replica of the
Gutenberg Printing Press, the invention that is credited with launching several
social changes, including the Renaissance of arts and culture, the Reformation,
and the birth of modern science.  And it
contains many original Bibles centuries old. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to come see the untold history of
the Hebrew Bible, the Greek Bible, the Latin Bible, the translations into many
other languages including English, the history of writing, the birth of modern
printing, and the roles that these events played in the history of the world”
said Dr. David Pennock, museum executive director.

“It truly is an amazing
story, and it’s one that really hasn’t ever been told” said Dr. William Noah,
founder and curator of Ink & Blood. This exhibit brings together ancient historical writings, scrolls and
manuscripts, the invention of the printing press, the impact that inexpensive
mass produced books and manuscripts have had on world culture, and the birth of
the modern English Bible.  These things
led to an explosion of interest in the arts, science and religion.  The common person could now read and
participate in the great debates and discussions of their times. 

“Now is our chance, probably
the only chance most of us will ever have, to see actual Dead Sea Scroll
fragments, Babylonian tablets, and 100’s of ancient Bibles and artifacts in a
comprehensive and truly historic exhibit,” said Nick Gailey, museum programs
director.  Mr. Gailey has been working on
bringing this exhibit to

Idaho Falls
for over a year now, and he is clearly very excited to see the exhibit finally
open to the public tomorrow.  He is not
the only one.  Over 175 members of the
clergy from
Idaho,
Wyoming
and

Utah are
coming today for a preview of the exhibit. The buzz is palpable.  No matter what your faith, there is something
compelling about this exhibit.  And for
those that are only interested in history, what can be more fascinating than
the history of writing and the invention of the printing press?  The impact it has had on society, and the
resulting speed of technological and social advancement, has been truly
astounding.

And here it is in
Idaho Falls, one of only four venues it has ever been
exhibited in, and the only venue west of the

Mississippi. We are very fortunate to have it. The exhibit runs from February 16 through May 28th.  Museum hours are Monday – Tuesday from 9am to
8pm, Wednesday – Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm.